100 Instagram Hook Ideas to Boost Reach for Children’s Activity Providers

Struggling to know what to post on Instagram? Here’s a simple solution that works.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your phone, unsure what to post on Instagram to promote your sessions, camps, or classes—you’re definitely not the only one.

Running a children’s activity business means juggling a lot—safety checks, parent messages, snack crises, and making sure 20 small humans are learning, safe and having fun.

So when it comes time to put together an Instagram post? It’s no wonder inspiration can be slow.

Still, Instagram remains an important tool. It’s often the first place new families hear about you.

And it helps current customers feel connected and informed.

But let’s face it—between the algorithm and everyone vying for attention, it’s harder than ever to stand out.

This is where hooks come in.

What’s a hook, and why do you need one?

A hook is simply the angle or lead-in that grabs someone’s attention right away. On Instagram, it’s the first line of your caption or the first second of your Reel. Its job? To stop the scroll.

Parents aren’t ignoring you—they’re just busy. They’re skimming Instagram while making dinner, juggling pickup, or answering a million “but whys?” If your first few words don’t spark curiosity or emotion, they’ll keep scrolling and miss what you have to offer.

Hooks help you get noticed. More importantly, they help you connect with your audience.

A good one makes someone pause. A great one makes them want to know more, engages them emotionally, and nudges them toward action—like booking a class or sharing your post with a friend.

10 hook examples that work for children’s activity providers

Here are 10 examples of effective hooks for posts, along with why they work:

1. “Our coach had this to say when a kid missed a goal…”
   • Teases a story and emotional insight. Parents are curious and want to know how your staff handles moments like these.
     
2. “Did you know there’s a forest-themed ballet class in [your area]?”
   • Surprising, local, and intriguing. Great for getting attention in a saturated feed.
     
3. “A mum emailed us this week and said something we’ll never forget…”
   • Builds emotional connection and trust. Personal stories like this resonate.
     
4. “You won’t believe what happened during our bubble game…”
   • Playful and fun. Hints at chaos or joy—both relatable to parents.
     
5. “The moment this shy child stepped forward gave us all goosebumps…”
   • Touches on transformation and confidence. Parents want to see what’s possible for their child.
     
6. “This is what we say to every child who’s nervous on their first day”
   • Reassuring. Helps parents feel safe about bringing their child.
     
7. “3 things most parents don’t realise about their child’s first class”
   • This positions you as supportive and knowledgeable, making parents feel informed.
     
8. “This class is perfect for kids who don’t love loud or busy settings”
   • Speaks directly to parents with more introverted or sensory-sensitive children.
     
9. “What every parent should know before choosing a holiday camp”
   • Practical and useful. Makes you a helpful guide, not just a seller.
     
10. “The exact moment we knew this class idea would be a hit with kids”
    • Offers a glimpse behind the scenes and shows that your decisions are child-led.

Download the swipe file: 100 hook ideas

We’ve compiled 100 proven Instagram hooks you can use for Reels, carousels, and captions—whether you run toddler football, music classes, or school holiday clubs.

👉 Sign up for our newsletter to access the full swipe file and get ongoing tips tailored for children’s activity providers.

5 quick tips to improve your instagram posts

1. Add a clear call-to-action – Simple nudges like “Tag a parent who’d love this” or “DM us to book a trial” guide people to the next step.
2. Use video when possible – Reels tend to get more reach. Show behind-the-scenes moments, “day in the life” clips, or children in action (with permission).
3. Try carousels for storytelling or tips – Pair the first slide with a strong hook to draw people in.
4. Use local hashtags – Examples: #MumsOfManchester, #BrightonParents. These help local families find you.
5. Keep captions conversational – Write like a parent talking to another parent. Friendly and down-to-earth wins.

Make one idea go further: repurposing your content

If coming up with new Instagram content feels like a daily struggle, here’s a simple mindset shift: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time.

One strong idea can be used in multiple ways.

For example, let’s say you write a caption about a child who overcame their nerves in your class.

That same story can become a Reel with video clips, a quote graphic featuring a kind message from the parent, a carousel post breaking down how you support nervous kids, and even a blog post on your website.

Repurposing content not only saves time but also reinforces your message across different formats.

And repetition—when done thoughtfully—isn’t boring. It’s how your audience remembers who you are and what makes you special.

Want us to create your social ads?

If you’ve ever thought “I just need someone to do this for me”—we get it.

We’re exploring a new service to create ready-to-go, locally targeted social ads for activity organisers.

Interested? Pop your name and some details down here:
👉 https://forms.gle/9ZE9LELtpuCZwyDi7

Next steps

You don’t need to be a full-time content creator to use Instagram effectively.

You just need a clear, engaging angle—a hook—to help parents notice you and feel like you’re speaking directly to them.

You can save this guide and return to it when you’re stuck. Real stories, helpful tips, and genuine moments will always go further than polished perfection.

Pick a hook, write your next post, and get it in front of the people who need to see it.

For parents

Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter for the best family-friendly events and activities in London!👇